City earns flood policy discounts
Plant City recently began participating in the National Flood Insurance Programs’ Community Rating System. Jesse F. Munoz, FEMA Mitigation Division Director, said that as a result of the city’s hard work, it was entered into the program as a Class 8 Community. Flood insurance policy holders in the city’s jurisdiction will receive a 10% premium discount on NFIP policies.
“We appreciate the city’s effort to reduce loss of lives and property damage caused by flooding, restore environmental functions of floodplains and hold development to standards that exceed the minimum requirements of the NFIP,” Munoz said. “We are pleased to present you this plaque acknowledging your success in the CRS Program.”
Splashing away Zika
Hillsborough County is providing residents with mosquito-eating fish to help combat the heavy season. The fish are approximately two and a half inches in size and can be put in ponds, fountains, animal troughs, unused swimming pools or other standing water to eat the larvae mosquitoes use to increase their population.
The program aims to help not only reduce the nuisance but also to combat the spread of diseases like the Zika virus. The fish do not require feeding, due to them relying on the larvae from mosquitos. The only care required is to protect them from chlorine, cleaning chemicals, fertilizer like those found in garden sprays or other harmful pesticides.
To acquire the fish, residents can go to Mike E. Sansone Park, 1702 N. Park Road, with a valid ID that will prove their residency.
Beginning May 30, the county is partnering with the University of Florida to host weekly fish giveaways on Wednesdays for residents. The free fish will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The weekly fish can be picked up at Tropical Aquaculture Lab, 1408 24th St. S.E., Ruskin.
Commission review
During Monday night’s commission meeting, four public hearings were held to discuss two map amendments, rezoning of land on South Frontage Road and a conceptual modification to the North Park Isles Planned Development District that would allow more homes to potentially be scheduled to be built on the property.
Some residents spoke up in concern of the effect some of the proposed potential development could have on the community. Presentations by the planning board and representatives for the applicants of each individual agenda item delved further into the specifics of setting the foundation for future changes.
Commissioners unanimously voted to approve all of the items. For a more detailed report on the effect of the vote visit plantcityobserver.com.